Here’s Everything You Need To Know

Windows 8 has been pretty controversial among desktop and laptop users because of the way it forces the whole Modern UI shebang in your face. 99% of the time I’m using my laptop is within the ‘Desktop’ environment, which I strongly believe is a big improvement over Windows 7, so I don’t mind the tablet-esque, touch-optimized UI of the rest of the OS. With Windows 8.1, Microsoft has solved many of the problems Windows 8 had in terms of usability while adding a bunch of lovely new features, and in usual fashion, we have covered them all in good detail. If you’re considering making the switch to Windows 8.1, be sure to go through our list of articles first so you know what you are getting into.

Without further ado, here’s quite literally everything you need to know about Windows 8.1, and more!

New Start Button & Improved Start ScreenThe single biggest complaint among Windows 8 users has been the lack of a Start button that has been a part of Windows since the early 90s. Windows 8.1 brings that back, along with an improved Start screen experience.

New Features & Changes In Lock ScreenThe lock screen gets its fair share of enhancements as well, including but not limited to wallpaper slideshow, more lock screen app notifications, and camera access.

Improved Multitasking & Snap FeatureWhen using Modern apps, there is no better way to multitask than with ‘Snap’. Windows 8.1 builds on top of the solid base set by Windows 8, allowing you to snap more apps together and in different screen ratios.

Revamped PC Settings AppWindows 8’s PC Settings app could only change settings for a very limited part of the system, so you had to launch Control Panel every now and then. That won’t be the case for most users with the updated ‘Modern’ PC Settings app in Windows 8.1.

New & Improved Windows Store AppWindows Store gets a changed layout and more features, which make app discovery an easier task than it was before.

New Unified Smart Search FeatureThis is one of the less talked about features in Windows 8.1, and we feel it deserves a lot more attention because – simply put – it is game-changing. OS-level searching doesn’t get any better than this!

Built-In Image Editor In Photos AppMicrosoft beefs up the stock Photos app to include basic image-editing features. These are good enough for use before uploading on Facebook and Twitter.

Deeper SkyDrive IntegrationSkyDrive integration in Windows 8 was dismal at best. In Windows 8.1, it’s so seamless, you won’t know the difference between what’s online and off (assuming you have a fast internet connection). For tablet users, this alone should be reason enough to make the jump to 8.1.

Revamped Xbox Music App With Free Radio StreamingPandora, Spotify, Rdio, Songza, Stereomood, iTunes Radio – Microsoft has a lot of tough competition in the music streaming market so they’re seriously stepping up their game with the new Xbox Music app.

Boot To Desktop & Other Navigation OptionsYou spend most of your time on the Desktop, so why not boot directly to it? We discuss Windows 8.1’s ‘Boot to Desktop’ feature, along with other customizable navigation options that improve overall usability.

Hands-On With The New Modern UI Apps In Windows 8.1Another strong reason to update to Windows 8.1! Microsoft has included a handful of new, beautifully designed stock apps including Alarms, Calculator, Sound Recorder, Health & Fitness, Reading List and more. We’ve reviewed some of the more elaborate apps separately.

9 Lesser Known New Features In Windows 8.1We’ve covered all the big-name features, but what about the small ones Microsoft sneaked in? Well, we’ve got them too!

Whew! That was a really long list. I wasn’t convinced of upgrading to Windows 8.1 when I started out writing this blog post, especially since 8 is just running so well on my machine, but now I think I just might make the jump! Features like Boot to Desktop, the 9 ‘Lesser Known’ new features, the deep SkyDrive integration, and the new Start Screen make it sound worth the risk.

To make the jump, just launch the Windows Store app. You’ll see the upgrade option right away. If not, go to this link here. It’s a free upgrade for Windows 8 users. The rest can purchase Windows 8.1 directly online or off.

What about you? Are you making the jump to Windows 8.1? Join the poll in our Ask The Readers feature blogpost.

About Kelli Smith

Kelli runs customer support and creates content for Skillcrush, a digital skills training and education platform with friendly instructors, an active student community, and laser focus on helping you achieve your career goals with technology. She has an MBA and successfully ran an international company and her own freelancing business before pursuing her passion for tech by taking advanced web development classes. Kelli loves listening to tech podcasts at 2x speed, looking for cute Corgi photos online and teaching and performing country line dancing—as a true Texan living in Finland would do. Say hi on Twitter.

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